Russia’s Tu-95 strategic bomber remains a unique aircraft that would be difficult to replace with another platform, according to Anri Naskidyants, an honored test pilot at Tupolev, part of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation.

Naskidyants also singled out the supersonic Tu-160, saying its technical solutions continue to make a strong impression. He compared the bomber with its civilian predecessor, the Tu-144, describing the engineering used in both aircraft as unusual and ahead of its time.

The test pilot also praised the reliability of Russian aviation, highlighting the Su-27 and MiG-29 alongside the Tu-160. In his assessment, the Tu-144 and Tu-160 stand apart because of the unconventional technical solutions incorporated into their designs.

Naskidyants paid particular attention to the Tu-95, saying the aircraft is capable of carrying out the full range of combat missions at any time. He argued that despite its age, the bomber continues to hold a special place in Russian military aviation and remains difficult to replace.

The Tu-95 turboprop missile carrier made its first flight in 1952. Serial production of aircraft from the family continued until 1992. Modernized Tu-95MS bombers are currently operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The National Interest recently noted that the Tu-95 and Tu-160 allow the Russian Aerospace Forces to demonstrate the country’s nuclear capabilities in different regions of the world.